Trio Cheese Ball Food

A TRIO OF CHEESE LOGS

Steps:

• Put the cream cheese in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Add the garlic and white pepper and mix until well combined. Divide the mixture into 3 even portions; return one portion to the mixer.
• For the pizza cheese log: Add the pizza blend cheese to the cream cheese mixture and mix well until combined. Remove to a work surface and roll into a log with your palms. (The mixture should be slightly sticky but thick enough to easily roll.) Put the smoked paprika on a shallow dish; roll the log in the paprika until completely coated. Roll the cheese log in a sheet of plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. Clean the mixer bowl and paddle.
• For the Cheddar Jack and parsley cheese log: Put a second portion of the cream cheese mixture in the mixer bowl. Add the Cheddar Jack cheese and mix well. Remove to a work surface and roll into a log with your palms. Put the dried parsley on a shallow dish and roll the cheese log in the parsley until completely coated. Roll the cheese log in a sheet of plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. Clean the mixer bowl and paddle.
• For the sharp Cheddar pecan cheese log: Put the last portion of the cream cheese mixture in the mixer bowl and add the extra-sharp Cheddar. Mix well. Remove to a work surface and roll into a log with your palms. Place the whole pecans down the length of the cheese log. Put the chopped pecans on a shallow dish, then roll the log in the pecans. Use your fingers to press the pecans more firmly into the cheese. Roll the cheese log in a sheet of plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.
• Unwrap the cheese logs and present on a large platter surrounded by plenty of crackers and cheese knives for easy self-service.

MINI CHEESE BALLS

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine cheeses. Shape into 36 balls; roll balls in toppings as desired. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight. To serve, if desired, press a rye crisp or rolled corn chip into the top of each cheese ball.

WISCONSIN TRIO CHEESE BALL

Steps:

• Put all of the ingredients, except pecans and parsley, in a bowl.
• Beat with a mixer at medium speed until mixture is fluffy.
• Stir in 3 Tbs. pecans; cover and refrigerate 4 hours.
• Mix the remaining pecans and parsley in a small bowl.
• Form cheese into one large ball or several small balls.
• Roll in the pecan/parsley mixture.
• Return to the refrigerator until chilled.
• To Freeze: wrap in plastic wrap.
• Approximately 30 minutes before you are ready to serve, unwrap cheese.

THREE-IN-ONE CHEESE BALL

Steps:

• In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, milk, onion and Worcestershire sauce until fluffy. If a smoother spread is desired, process in a food processor until creamy. , Divide into thirds (about 1 cup each). Shape first portion into a ball; roll in pepper. Add the blue cheese to the second portion. Shape into a ball; roll in parsley. Add garlic powder to the remaining portion. Shape into a ball; roll in nuts. , Cover and refrigerate. Let stand at room temperature 1 hour before serving. Serve with crackers.

"THREE-CHEESE" CHEESE BALL

Steps:

• Mix all ingredients thoroughly.
• Divide mixture in half and place each half on a sheet of plastic wrap.
• Draw up the sides of the plastic wrap tightly around each ball and firmly secure (a twistie tie or rubber band works well).
• Refrigerate 6-8 hours or until firm.
• Remove plastic wrap and roll in nuts before serving (or may roll in chopped parsley if someone is allergic to nuts).